A Bridge to Identity

God creatively designs individuals to relate to others in ways that personally give them an identity. Jacob and Esau were not identical twins. Esau was born first, not a pink baby but red and hairy. Jacob came next, holding on to Esau’s heel. Jacob’s name means grabber, which would characterize him for life.

Esau grew up burly, strong and tall, an outdoors-man who loved to hunt and was his father’s favorite. Jacob stayed close to the tent. He was the quiet, reflective type and was his mother’s favorite. It’s obvious how favoritism laid the foundation for building the bridge that led to struggle and strife over power and control.

God’s plan and purpose are always good and solid because they build a bridge that withstands the troubles and strife that all will encounter. Jesus said his will and God his Father’s will were the same. He waited for God’s will even when it meant dying on the Cross. God gives patience and the will to endure when you ask him to do so.

Power Struggles: Choose to Step Back - Part 3

A good friend related a story about someone he had known all his life.  His friend left his job and family never to return. He described his friend as having a chink in his armor. This means a crack or narrow opening in his character that made him vulnerable to impulsive, hurtful decisions. Imperfections can result in disaster if we allow them to go unchecked.

Chinks in the armor permit power struggles to threaten a relationship because they're often expressed in defensive and protective behaviors. However God is faithful to provide ways to escape from succumbing to imperfections and unwanted consequences that may surely be disastrous for us and others.

How do you accomplish what might appear impossible? God's armor does not have chinks in it. Jesus withstood Satan's temptations with the armor of God's word. Then St. Paul instructs you to pray in the Spirit on every occasion. This means depending on the Holy Spirit to instruct and guide you. This is a choice only you can make, so be receptive to God's provisions.

Power Struggles: Choose to Step Back - Part 1

Power struggles are common in relationships. Married couples sometimes fight over what seem to be insignificant matters. However on closer examination, the issue is, who rules what and how much? Grappling for position, salary, and privileges at work also is common practice. The end result can be serious conflict that damages relationships.

The father of a teenage daughter related how he became embroiled in a huge power struggle with her. Looking back, the issue that sparked the fire was minor. Some said it was basic adolescent rebellion striving for independence while others contended the father was too controlling and failed to trust her with what she was striving to obtain.

Stepping back from a power struggle permits you to consider Ephesians 3:17. "I pray that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have power to grasp how wide, long and deep is the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge." Trusting in the power of Christ's love gives you the ability to communicate with reason. This is a choice you can make.